A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to set fire to a synagogue in the city of Giessen, Germany, on January 9. According to reports in German media, the man set fire to a paper and trash container at the entrance to the Jewish community building.
In videos captured from security cameras outside the synagogue, the suspect was recorded giving a Nazi salute in front of the entrance gate to the building. He was then filmed setting fire to the paper container adjacent to the building, with flames quickly catching the trash and the building's walls. According to the video, it appears the suspect spread an accelerant that caused the waste to burn rapidly and damaged the synagogue's exterior walls.
The fire broke out Friday night at 8:35 p.m., and a witness reported it to emergency services, who arrived quickly, including the fire department and several police vehicles. Police arrested a suspect at the scene of the arson, and firefighters succeeded in stopping the fire before it spread inside the synagogue. Nevertheless, damage was recorded to a rolling shutter in the building and to the synagogue's entrance gate.
According to local police, the initial investigation indicates the man acted alone. Current findings indicate that he set fire to waste paper stored in rolling containers. No one was injured in the incident.
The background and motive of the 32-year-old remain unknown and are under intensive investigation, according to a police statement to the press. The extent of property damage has not yet been determined.
Giessen Jewish Community Deputy Head Lawrence de Donges said, "An arson attempt occurred Friday night at our synagogue in Giessen. We are requesting the interior minister's help. What do we get besides hot air? Nothing! They wrap the fight against antisemitism, racism, and homophobia in warm words, but there are no actions. It looks like we are returning to 1933."
